Fandango

Canal du Midi Cruises

Passengers: 5 - 6
Size: 100 feet long
Last Visited: 2007
Rating: Deluxe, A/C, Families

2009 rates

(As of 12/15/08)
Whole Boat Charter
$19,980 - 4 passenger charter
$24,975 - 5 passenger charter
$26,500 - 6 passenger charter
Individual Cabins
Please call us at (800)880-0071 for individual cabin rates.

FANDANGO moves to Burgundy for the 2009 season! The energetic and creative Hazel Young has planned a "dine around" cruise which features more on-shore meals. Please see our Southern Burgundy section for more details.

Fandango is owned and operated by the multi-talented Hazel Young, one of barging's true creative forces and chef extraordinaire. Hazel's command of all that is local and wonderful is unparalleled, leading to a very special program.

Fandango has an intriguing history. Purpose-built in the 1990's as a floating showcase for L' Occitane cosmetics, it cruised the length and breadth of France until purchased by Hazel and "retired" to the Midi. A major re-do in 2004 saw the forward cabins gutted and rebuilt. Two of the three skylit cabins are decorated similarly to Tango's: the "calm" palate of beige and white, accented by local linens and Provencial-style accent pieces. The third cabin, which is best occupied by a single traveler, is a haven of French country ambiance and red/white touille de jouey wallpaper. Bathrooms feature gorgeous local tiling and like Tango's are unique in the industry. The book-lined salon is decorated country French style in red, white and beige. Accessories reflect Hazel's love of Flamenco dancing.

The tiled deck boasts a hot tub; as many meals as possible are served on deck, but can also be indoors in the dining area adjoining the open kitchen or in the salon.

Hazel continues to be the guiding spirit on Fandango. In addition to leading the sightseeing, Hazel is available to recommend her personal shopping sources for fashions and antiques. From Fandango's open kitchen come platters of divine French country cuisine. The ambiance on board is both sophisticated and personal.

Fandango

Canal du Midi Barge Cruise Itinerary

Marseillan to Le Somail on the Canal du Midi

Sunday: Marseillan
A crew member meets you at your designated meeting point and accompanies you to the barge where the Captain toasts your arrival with Champagne. Guests enjoy a sunset cruise to visit the oyster beds on the inland sea of Thau, mooring for the night at the Mediterranean port of Marseillan. You may begin your welcome dinner on board with fresh oysters and a chilled white wine from the nearby vineyards of Pinet.

Monday: Marseillan to Agde
Morning visit by mini-van to the sunny, pastel colored fishing port town of Sete. This is France's Venice, with a network of canals intersecting the town center. We'll bring back seafood fresh off the boats for the chef to prepare a barge specialty, seafood spaghetti. Before lunch, guests will have a wine tasting at the Noilly Prat Vermouth cellars and museum. While you lunch on deck, the barge will set sail toward the lighthouse that heralds the beginning of the Canal du Midi. You will pass through the first of many locks and avenues of sycamore trees as the canal draws us inland. Agde is our destination for a stroll before dinner. The ancient winding, tiny streets are the same as when the Greeks built this port town, only the shops are different, offering a good choice for shoppers. Dinner is served on board.

Tuesday: Agde to Beziers
Cruise in the morning to the canal-side village of Villeneuve les Beziers. There's a great cycling path for those wishing to bike alongside the barge while it moves at a slow pace between locks. After lunch on board, a picturesque afternoon drive in the mini-van to the historical and elegant town of Pezenas, antiques capital of the Languedoc. We will head back to the barge in time to cross the spectacular aqueduct over the Herault River and climb up the seven lock staircase of Beziers, both fine features of Paul Riquet's engineering feats. A stunning view of the Beziers Cathedral illuminated is a romantic backdrop for dinner on board.

Wednesday: Beziers to Capestang
The mini-van will be ready in the morning for an exciting shopping and sightseeing trip to Narbonne, once Roman capital of the area on the route between Rome and Barcelona. Chariot rutted paving stones from the Via Domitia can be walked over in the central square, on the way to visit the splendid Cathedral and cloister. Smart designer boutiques fulfill the needs for those unable to shop in Paris. The 100 year old covered les halles market gets our appetites going for another luncheon feast on board. We cruise in the afternoon to the canal-side village of Capestang, with time for a wine tasting in a local vineyard or a stroll in the village before dinner on board.

Thursday: Capestang to Pigasse
Minerve will be today's mini-van visit. An ancient castle and hilltop town perched high above a canyon, Minerve was a natural site for the Cathars to try and defend themselves from Simon de Montfort. Your tour guide will give you an in-depth historical tour. On the way back to the barge for lunch, we'll stop at the prize winning olive oil mill to stock up on olives and gifts. An afternoon cruise with breathtaking views of vineyards as far as the eye can see to the Pyrenees. We moor the barge at the garden's edge of the Michelin star restaurant of Pigasse. We'll enjoy a wine tasting of the vineyards belonging to Mr. Eden, domains scattered in four locations, giving you a connoisseur's tour before an unforgettable candlelit dinner at the restaurant.

Friday: Pigasse to Le Somail
A morning cruise to the most picturesque village of the Canal, Le Somail. Browsing in the antique books store here will give you prints and posters to frame back home. For a regional feast, your tour guide will take you to Carcassonne for a lunch of cassoulet, followed by a walk around the ramparts of this famous walled medieval city. Fabulous shopping for Provencal tablecloths and other wonderful fare on display before heading back to the barge. Time for a last bike ride along the towpath before your gala farewell dinner on board.

Saturday: Depart Fandango
Breakfast on board, followed by 10a.m. Departure and transfer for continuation of your journey.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Cruises on the hotel-barge Fandango and barging the Canal du Midi Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Fandango

Guest Book

"Our family adventure was a great success. Hazel and crew were wonderful and made us utterly comfortable and happy."
-Chuck and Shirley Gambill, 2006

"A lovely peaceful week with fabulous food. Hazel is about to publish a cookbook and I strongly recommend it to everyone. What a cook!"
-Mr. and Mrs. Fugazzi, 2006

"What a luxurious experience to slowly cruise through magnificent scenery in outstanding comfort. Hazel and her crew were special people. The cuisine was outstanding."
-Jim and Alyce Moore, 2002

Fandango Floor Plan

100 Feet long
-2 cabins at 128 square feet with two twin beds or one king bed
-1 single occupancy cabin at 50 sq feet
-Gorgeous tiled baths and unique tiled deck
-Hot tub on deck
-Dining area with open kitchen